The south of Tenerife (Adeje, Arona, San Miguel, Granadilla, Guía de Isora) is one of the most sought-after destinations for movers in the Canary Islands, thanks to its exceptional climate, tourist infrastructure, and amenities. This guide explains prices, what to expect, and the best areas to move to in the south of Tenerife — whether you are coming from the mainland, from another island, or relocating within the island itself.
Areas of southern Tenerife: where to move
Adeje (including Costa Adeje)
The municipality with the highest GDP per capita in the Canary Islands and the top tourist area in the south. It combines:
- Costa Adeje: premium tourist zone with 5-star hotels, luxury shops, and fine dining. High rental prices (1,200–2,500 €/month for a 2-bed flat)
- Adeje village: traditional, residential, more affordable (600–1,000 €/month)
- Armeñime, Playa Paraíso: quiet residential area with a strong Nordic community
Arona (Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Playa de las Américas)
The classic tourist hub of the south. A variety of zones:
- Los Cristianos: the traditional centre, a mix of residents and tourists. Good rental supply (700–1,200 €/month)
- Playa de las Américas: very touristy and lively, better suited to hospitality professionals
- El Mojón, Cabo Blanco, Valle San Lorenzo: quiet residential areas, more affordable
- Buzanada: a growing area with good value for money
San Miguel de Abona, Granadilla, Guía de Isora
More residential municipalities, less touristy, with a good quality of life:
- San Miguel: traditional, with good access to the TF-1 motorway
- Granadilla: ZEC (Zona Especial Canaria) attracts technology companies; Tenerife South Airport is within its boundary
- Guía de Isora: an area on the rise, with luxury resorts (Abama) and new residential developments
Removal prices in southern Tenerife
From the mainland
Prices are similar to other areas of Tenerife, as the final destination within the island usually adds 50–150 € to the base price:
- 2-bedroom flat from Madrid/Barcelona: 1,700–2,500 € in a shared container
- Larger home: 2,500–4,000 €
- If you are taking a car: +1,400–1,800 €
From another area of Tenerife
Internal moves on the island are the most affordable:
- Santa Cruz → Adeje/Arona (80 km on TF-1): 600–1,100 €
- La Laguna → south: 700–1,200 €
- North (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava) → south: 750–1,300 € (longer distance via TF-5 + TF-1)
- Between municipalities in the south: 400–800 €
From other Canary Islands
- Gran Canaria → southern Tenerife: 1,000–1,500 €
- Lanzarote/Fuerteventura → southern Tenerife: 1,200–1,800 €
- La Palma/La Gomera → southern Tenerife: 1,100–1,700 €
Things to know about moving to southern Tenerife
The TF-1: the key motorway
Southern Tenerife is connected to Santa Cruz by the TF-1 motorway (90 km). Removal lorries use it without restriction, but there are some bottlenecks:
- Exit 26 (Tenerife South Airport): heavy traffic at peak hours
- Exits 28–29 (Arona/Los Cristianos): the most used, frequent jams between 17:00 and 20:00
- Exit 67 (Adeje): well signposted, few problems
Strict residents' communities
Many estates in the south (especially in Costa Adeje and Las Américas) have strict rules for removals:
- Restricted hours (not before 09:00 or after 19:00)
- Prior booking of the service lift with the property manager
- Permitted Monday to Friday only (except emergencies)
- Municipal OVP permit required to occupy the loading zone
Check the rules with your new community before setting a date.
Tourists and parking
The most touristy areas (Las Américas, Los Cristianos) face parking pressure all year round. Removal lorries may find it difficult to position close to the building entrance. Solutions:
- Apply for an OVP in advance from the town hall (Horizont handles this for you)
- Choose an early morning slot (08:00–10:00) when there is less pressure
- In gated residential communities, coordinate with the concierge to reserve an internal space
Foreign communities and removals
Southern Tenerife has a strong presence of international communities:
- British: ~25,000 registered residents in Arona and Adeje
- Italian: 15,000+ in Costa Adeje and Las Américas
- German: 10,000+ spread throughout the south
- Russian, French, Swedish: growing communities
If you are coming from one of these countries, an international move to southern Tenerife is perfectly straightforward. Differences between types of removal.
Frequently asked questions about moving to southern Tenerife
Which area of the south is best for families?
Adeje village, San Miguel, and Granadilla are the most recommended residential areas for families: good schools (public and private international), health centres, large supermarkets, parks. Costa Adeje is also suitable if the budget allows. Las Américas/Los Cristianos are more tourist-oriented and less family-friendly.
What about remote workers / digital nomads?
El Médano (Granadilla) is a privileged spot for windsurfing enthusiasts, coworking spaces, and a strong digital nomad community. Also worth considering: Playa San Juan (Guía de Isora) and Los Cristianos. High-speed fibre-optic internet is available throughout all the main areas.
How long does a move from the mainland to southern Tenerife take?
Total door to door: 10–15 days. Sea transit (5–9 days) + collection at origin (1–2 days) + delivery in the south (1–2 days) + DUA and AIEM exemption (processed in parallel). Faster if you book an exclusive container with a fixed date.
Are there tolls on the TF-1?
No, the TF-1 is free of charge. There are no tolls on any motorway in the Canary Islands. The only road cost is fuel and normal wear and tear.
Why are rents so much higher in the south compared with the north?
The south is home to most of the island's tourist activity, which puts pressure on the long-term rental market (landlords favour more profitable holiday lets). If you are looking for a long-term rental, it tends to be more affordable in the north (La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Icod). Further detail in cost of a removal in Tenerife.
Do you handle small local moves within the south (for example from Adeje to Arona)?
Yes. We offer a service for small local moves in the south, with reduced rates for short distances (10–30 km within the south of the island). Get a quote specifying the exact origin and destination.
Your move to southern Tenerife — hassle-free
At Horizont Atlantic we know the south of Tenerife inside out: communities, access routes, times, restrictions. Request a quote specifying your exact destination area (Adeje, Arona, San Miguel, etc.) and we will respond within 24–48 hours with an optimised proposal.
